Multicolored Wood Bull Alebrije, "Sunset Bull"

The exquisite detail on this handcrafted alebrije sculpture from Zeny and Reyna in Mexico make it a stunning addition to home decor. Carved by hand from copal wood, the imposing bull is carefully painted with a blazing sun motif as well as elaborate geometric motifs in a rainbow of colors. The tiny, intricate details are painted using a maguey thorn.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache. The same style of painting can also be found on other (non-animal) items.